Thrashers Sign Defenseman Chris Chelios

Chris Chelios is on his way back to the NHL. The Atlanta Thrashers announced today that they have signed the 48-year-old defenseman to what is believed to be a one-year contract. He first must clear waivers, and if he does, will remain in the minors until the Thrashers need him, according to the team. He had been playing with the Thrashers' AHL affiliate in Chicago since the beginning of the 2009-10 season. In 25 NHL seasons, Chelios has played in 1644 games with the Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, and Detroit Red Wings, scoring 185 goals and 763 assists for 948 points and 2891 penalty minutes. He has won the Norris Trophy three times as the league's top defenseman and three Stanley Cups, one with Montreal and two with Detroit. An interesting signing by the Thrashers. Chelios will bring lots of experience to the blueline, as well as a wealth of leadership to the team. If he is recalled by the team, he will likely play on the third defensive pairing, just don't expect to see him contribute on the score sheet regularly.

Chelios and Finger Out With Injuries

The Detroit Red Wings learned on Thursday that defenseman Chris Chelios will miss the next six weeks with a fractured bone in his leg. Chelios sustained the injury when he blocked a shot during the Red Wings' 2-1 shootout loss to the Montreal Canadiens on September 29. The Red Wings signed Chelios to a one-year contract in September with the understanding that he will play a limited role on defense this season. The Red Wings lose some veteran experience and toughness with Chelios out of the lineup, but he could easily be replaced with Kyle Quincey or even Derek Meech.

Also, the Toronto Maple Leafs have learned that defenseman Jeff Finger could miss the first week of the regular season with a foot injury. Finger sustained the injury in Toronto's opening preseason game against the Buffalo Sabres, and the injury is taking longer to heal than expected. Finger signed a four-year contract with the Maple Leafs during the first week of free agency this past summer. With an opening on Toronto's blueline, there is speculation that 2008 first round pick Luke Schenn could start the season with the team. Schenn has had a good preseason and training camp thus far, making him a good choice to replace Finger. The Maple Leafs will lose a bit of toughness and experience with the absence of Finger, but it will not be for long. Schenn will be an adequate replacement until Finger returns.

Red Wings Re-Sign Chelios and Quincey

The Detroit Red Wings announced today that they have re-signed veteran defenseman Chris Chelios to a one year contract worth $750,000. The team also announced that they have re-signed defenseman Kyle Quincey to a two-year contract. Terms of Quincey's deal were not disclosed. It was reported last week that the team was closing to resigning both defensmen. In 69 games last season with Detroit, Chelios scored three goals and added nine assists for 12 points and 36 penalty minutes. Quincey played in six games for Detroit last season, going scoreless and adding four penalty minutes. Despite his age, Chelios brings lots of toughness, depth, and leadership to the Red Wings' defense. Quincey, who will likely play most of the season in the minors, gives Detroit lots of toughness on their blueline.

Report: Chelios to Re-Sign with Red Wings

According to TSN.ca and reports out of Detroit, defenseman Chris Chelios is expected to resign with the Detroit Red Wings for one year and make less than the $850,000 he made last season. It's reported the signing could be made official sometime next week. Chelios has played with the Red Wings since 1999 and has been an integral part of their defense since then. While he doesn't put up the numbers he used to, Chelios still brings plenty of experience, depth, and physical play to the Detroit's blueline as a top 4 defenseman despite being 46 years old. Chelios is solid proof that some NHL veterans can still thrive in the new, younger, and faster NHL.

In other Red Wings news, it is reported that defenseman Kyle Quincey is close to resigning a two year deal, while forward Darren McCarty is expected to be resigned to a one year, two-way contract. The signings of Chelios, Quincey, and McCarty would push the Red Wings over the salary cap and would likely have to make a trade to get below the cap. Young defenseman Derek Meech has been rumoured to be the player the Red Wings would likely trade to get below the salary cap.